PH Navy aircraft deployed for surveillance, patrol

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Philippine Navy has redeployed four Islander planes to bolster surveillance and patrol of the country's territory, especially in disputed areas.

Lieutenant Jr. Grade Rommel Rodriguez said the four fixed-wing planes were sent off on Monday from Sangley Point after undergoing mandatory repairs and refurbishment.

He said one plane was deployed to Palawan at the Naval Forces West, which is in charge of securing the country's territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the three others were dispatched to La Union, which is the home of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon; Cebu, the home of the Naval Forces Central; and Zamboanga City, home of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

"They will augment the capability of our ships in the conduct of maritime security operations. Definitely, they will increase our capability in the performance of our mandate,” he said.

He said the planes are "capable of conducting air drop, airlift and aerial reconnaissance missions at sea."

A Navy insider said they have a total of six Islanders, three new multi-purpose helicopters, a B0-105 helicopter, and four Cessna planes.